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Scotland

Scotland (Scots)
Alba (Scottish Gaelic)
Motto: "In My Defens God Me Defend" (Scots)
"In my defence God me defend"
Anthem: Various
Location of  Scotland  (dark green)– on the European continent  (green & dark grey)– in the United Kingdom  (green)
Location of  Scotland  (dark green)

– on the European continent  (green & dark grey)
– in the United Kingdom  (green)
Status Country
Capital Edinburgh
55°57′11″N 3°11′20″W / 55.95306°N 3.18889°W / 55.95306; -3.18889
Largest city Glasgow
55°51′40″N 4°15′00″W / 55.86111°N 4.25000°W / 55.86111; -4.25000
Recognised languages
Ethnic groups
(2011)
List of ethnicities

96.0% White
2.7% Asian
0.7% Black
0.4% Mixed
0.2% Arab
0.1% other
Religion
(2011)
 53.8% Christianity
—32.4% Church of Scotland
—15.9% Roman Catholic
—5.5% Other Christian
36.7% No religion
1.4% Islam
0.3% Hinduism
0.2% Buddhism
0.2% Sikhism
0.1% Judaism
0.3% Other
Demonym(s)
Government Devolved parliamentary legislature within a constitutional monarchy
• Monarch
 Elizabeth II
Nicola Sturgeon
• Deputy First Minister
 John Swinney
Parliament of the United Kingdom
• Secretary of State Alister Jack
• House of Commons 59 MPs (of 650)
Legislature Scottish Parliament
Formation
9th century (traditionally 843)
17 March 1328
3 October 1357
1 May 1707
• Devolution
 19 November 1998
Area
• Land
 77,933 km2 (30,090 sq mi)
• Water (%)
 3.00%
Population
• 2019 estimate
 Neutral increase 5,463,300
• 2011 census
 5,313,600
• Density
 67.5/km2 (174.8/sq mi)
GDP (nominal) 2019 estimate
• Total
 £166 billion
($212B)
• Per capita
 £30,560
($39007)
HDI (2019) 0.925
very high · 4th
Currency Pound sterling (GBP; £)
Time zone UTC (Greenwich Mean Time)
• Summer (DST)
 UTC+1 (British Summer Time)
Date format dd/mm/yyyy (AD)
Driving side left
Calling code +44
ISO 3166 code GB-SCT
Internet TLD .scot

Scotland (Scots: Scotland, Scottish Gaelic: Alba) is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It covers the northern third of the island of Great Britain. Mainland Scotland shares a 96-kilometer (60-mile) border with England to the southeast. It is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, the North Sea to the northeast, and the Irish Sea to the south.

Scotland also has over 790 islands. Most of these are in the Hebrides and the Northern Isles. Most people live in the Central Belt, which is a plain between the Scottish Highlands and the Southern Uplands. This area includes the capital city, Edinburgh.

Scotland is divided into 32 local government areas called council areas. Glasgow City has the most people, while Highland is the largest in size. These local areas have some self-governing power over things like education, social services, and roads. Scotland is the second-largest country in the United Kingdom. In 2012, it had 8.3% of the UK's population.

The Kingdom of Scotland became an independent country in the 9th century and lasted until 1707. In 1603, James VI of Scotland also became king of England and Ireland. This joined the three kingdoms under one ruler. Scotland then joined with the Kingdom of England on May 1, 1707, to form the new Kingdom of Great Britain. This union also created the Parliament of Great Britain. In 1801, Great Britain joined with Ireland to form the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.

Even after the union, Scotland kept its own legal system, which is separate from England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Scotland also has its own education, religious, and other traditions. These have helped Scottish culture and identity stay strong since 1707.

In 1999, the Scottish Parliament was brought back. It is a devolved parliament with 129 members. It has power over many areas of domestic policy in Scotland. The head of the Scottish Government is the First Minister, who is helped by the deputy first minister of Scotland. Scotland has 59 MPs in the UK Parliament. Scotland is also part of the British–Irish Council.

Scotland's History

Early Times in Scotland

The land that is now Scotland was covered by ice sheets many times. These ice ages destroyed any signs of people who might have lived there before the Mesolithic Age. Scientists believe the first groups of hunter-gatherers arrived in Scotland about 12,800 years ago. This was after the last ice sheet melted away.

Around 9,500 years ago, settlers started building the first known permanent homes in Scotland. The first villages appeared about 6,000 years ago. The village of Skara Brae on Mainland, Orkney is very well preserved from this time. In the Northern Isles and Western Isles, many ancient homes and burial sites are found. This is because there were few trees, so people built with local stone.

In 2009, a 4000-year-old tomb was found near Perth. It contained treasures and the remains of an early Bronze Age ruler. This discovery was very important for understanding ancient Scotland. It showed that people even placed flowers in graves back then.

Scotland might have been part of a trading network in the Late Bronze Age. This network, called the Atlantic Bronze Age, included other Celtic nations and parts of Europe.

In 1850, a big storm uncovered the ancient village of Skara Brae. Local people started digging, but the site was later left alone. In 1924, another storm caused more damage, so experts began a serious study of the site.

Roman Influence in Scotland

Scotland's written history began when the Roman Empire arrived in Great Britain. The Romans took over what is now England and Wales, calling it Britannia. Roman visits to southern Scotland were usually short.

The Roman historian Tacitus wrote that the Caledonians fought back against the Romans. They attacked Roman forts and fought with their legions. In one surprise attack, the Caledonians almost destroyed the 9th Legion.

In AD 83–84, the Roman General Gnaeus Julius Agricola defeated the Caledonians at the Battle of Mons Graupius. Tacitus recorded that the Caledonian leader, Calgacus, gave a speech. He called his people "the last of the free." After the Roman victory, forts were built along the Gask Ridge. However, the Roman armies soon moved back to the Southern Uplands.

The Romans built Hadrian's Wall to control tribes. This wall became the northern border of the Roman Empire. The Roman army also held the Antonine Wall in the Central Lowlands for two short periods.

The Romans only stayed in northern Scotland for about 40 years. But their influence on the southern part of the country was strong. This area was home to Brythonic tribes. The Welsh term Hen Ogledd ("Old North") describes this area from AD 500 to 800. The Gaelic kingdom of Dál Riata was founded in western Scotland in the 6th century. Some believe settlers from Ireland brought Gaelic language and culture. However, some archaeologists disagree, saying there is no clear proof of a large migration.

Scotland in the Middle Ages

The Kingdom of the Picts eventually became known as "Alba" or "Scotland." This kingdom grew stronger as a response to Roman power. By the 10th century, Gaelic culture became very important in Pictland. A traditional story tells of an Irish conquest led by Cináed mac Ailpín.

The kingdom started in eastern Scotland, between the River Forth and the River Oykel. Over time, it gained control of lands to the north and south. By the 12th century, the kings of Alba had taken over English-speaking lands in the southeast. They also ruled over Gaelic-speaking Galloway and Norse-speaking Caithness. By the end of the 13th century, Scotland had almost its modern borders.

Big changes happened in the 12th century, especially during the reign of David I. This period saw the start of Feudalism, new government systems, and the first legally recognized towns called burghs. French and Anglo-French knights and churchmen moved to Scotland. This led to cultural mixing. The language in the low-lying eastern and southeastern parts of the kingdom became English. The rest of the country kept the Gaelic language. The Northern Isles of Orkney and Shetland stayed under Norse rule until 1468.

Scotland had a successful and stable period from the 12th to 14th centuries. There was peace with England, and trade and education links with Europe grew. During this time, John Duns Scotus became a very important philosopher in Europe.

The death of Alexander III in 1286, and then his granddaughter, ended the long line of Scottish kings. This also ended a 200-year golden age. Edward I of England was asked to decide who should be the next Scottish king. John Balliol was chosen in 1292. Edward I, who claimed to be the feudal superior of Scotland, slowly weakened John's power. In 1294, John and other Scottish lords refused to join Edward's army. Instead, they made an alliance with France, known as the Auld Alliance. This led to war, and King John was removed from power. Andrew Moray and William Wallace led the fight against English rule in the Wars of Scottish Independence.

The fight changed when Robert the Bruce killed his rival, John Comyn, in 1306. Robert was crowned king less than seven weeks later. He fought for over 20 years to regain Scotland's independence. His victory at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314 showed that Scotland had taken back control. In 1320, the Declaration of Arbroath, a famous statement of independence, gained support from the Pope. This led to England officially recognizing Scotland's independence.

However, the war with England continued after Robert the Bruce's death. A civil war also broke out between the Bruce family and their rivals. The Bruce family won, but David II had no heir. This allowed his nephew, Robert II, to become king and start the Stewart Dynasty. The Stewarts ruled Scotland for the rest of the Middle Ages. Scotland became more prosperous during this time, despite ongoing wars with England.

This period was the peak of the alliance between France and Scotland. The Scots Guard, a group of Scottish soldiers, was formed in 1418 by Charles VII of France. These Scottish soldiers fought with Joan of Arc against England in the Hundred Years' War. Scottish help was important for France's victory in the war.

Early Modern Scotland

In 1502, James IV of Scotland signed a peace treaty with Henry VII of England. He also married Henry's daughter, Margaret Tudor. This set the stage for the Union of the Crowns. Ten years later, James decided to invade England to support France. He died in battle at Battle of Flodden, the last British monarch to do so. Within a generation, the Auld Alliance ended. France agreed to remove its forces from Scotland. In 1560, John Knox helped Scotland become a Protestant nation. The Scottish parliament removed the Pope's authority. Mary, Queen of Scots, who was Catholic, was forced to give up her throne in 1567.

In 1603, James VI, King of Scots, also became King of England and Ireland. He moved from Edinburgh to London. Scotland remained a separate country, but there were conflicts between the king and the Covenanters over church rules. The Glorious Revolution of 1688–89 saw King James VII of Scotland overthrown.

Like other European countries, Scotland faced famines in the 1690s. Many people died, fewer babies were born, and many emigrated. This reduced the population in some areas by 10 to 15 percent.

In 1698, the Company of Scotland tried to set up a trading colony in Panama. Many Scottish landowners invested in this Darien scheme. Its failure left these landowners bankrupt. This bankruptcy, along with the threat of an English invasion, helped convince Scottish leaders to support a union with England.

On July 22, 1706, the Treaty of Union was agreed between the Scottish and English Parliaments. The next year, both parliaments passed the Acts of Union 1707. This created the united Kingdom of Great Britain on May 1, 1707.

18th Century Changes

After the union, trade with England became free, and business grew. Trade with Colonial America was especially strong. Glasgow's "Tobacco Lords" had the fastest ships to Virginia. Until the American War of Independence in 1776, Glasgow was the world's top tobacco port. This created a big difference in wealth between the Scottish Lowlands and the older clans of the Scottish Highlands.

The deposed Jacobite Stuart claimants were still popular in the Highlands and northeast. They were especially liked by non-Presbyterians, including Catholics. However, two major Jacobite Risings in 1715 and 1745 failed. They could not remove the House of Hanover from the British throne. The Jacobite threat ended at the Battle of Culloden, Britain's last pitched battle. This defeat led to the forced removal of many people from the Highlands and Islands, known as the Highland Clearances.

The Scottish Enlightenment and the Industrial Revolution turned Scotland into a center of ideas, trade, and industry. Voltaire even said, "We look to Scotland for all our ideas of civilisation." After Jacobitism ended and the Union began, many Scots, mostly from the Lowlands, took important roles. They worked in politics, government, the army, navy, trade, and colonial ventures across the growing British Empire. Historian Neil Davidson noted that after 1746, Scots became much more involved in political life outside Scotland. He also said that Scotland, especially the Lowlands, was central to the British economy.

19th Century Growth

The Scottish Reform Act 1832 increased the number of Scottish Members of Parliament (MPs). It also allowed more middle-class people to vote. By the mid-19th century, there were growing calls for Scotland to have more self-rule. The job of Secretary of State for Scotland was brought back. Towards the end of the century, Prime Ministers like William E. Gladstone and the Earl of Rosebery were of Scottish descent. The importance of working classes grew, marked by Keir Hardie's success in 1888. This led to the creation of the Scottish Labour Party.

Glasgow became one of the world's largest cities, known as "the Second City of the Empire" after London. After 1860, the Clydeside shipyards became famous for building steamships made of iron and steel. They quickly replaced wooden sailing ships around the world. Glasgow became the world's top shipbuilding center. While industry brought jobs and wealth, housing and public health did not keep up. Living conditions in some cities were very bad, with overcrowding and high rates of illness.

Even after the Scottish Enlightenment, Scots continued to make big contributions to science and literature. Figures like physicists James Clerk Maxwell and Lord Kelvin, and inventors James Watt and William Murdoch, were key to the Industrial Revolution. In literature, Walter Scott was very successful. His novel Waverley (1814) is often called the first historical novel. His work helped define and popularize Scottish culture. Later, Scottish authors like Robert Louis Stevenson, Arthur Conan Doyle, and J. M. Barrie became famous worldwide. Scotland also played a big part in art and architecture. The Glasgow School developed a unique style that was popular in Europe and influenced Art Nouveau. Charles Rennie Mackintosh was a famous architect and artist from this movement.

This period also saw Highland culture become more accepted. In the 1820s, tartan and the kilt became popular among the wealthy across Europe. This was partly due to the popularity of Walter Scott's novels. However, the Highlands remained very poor. The desire to improve farming led to the Highland Clearances. Many people were forced to leave their homes as land was used for sheep farming. These clearances were harsh and led to many Scots leaving the land. They moved to cities or emigrated to England, Canada, America, or Australia. Scotland's population grew steadily in the 19th century, but there were not enough good jobs. So, about 2 million Scots moved to North America and Australia between 1841 and 1931. Another 750,000 moved to England.

In the church, there were long struggles. In 1834, a group called the Evangelicals gained control and passed a law allowing congregations to reject unwanted ministers. This led to a "Ten Years' Conflict" and a split in the church in 1843, known as the Disruption of 1843. About a third of the clergy formed the Free Church of Scotland. Later, more splits happened within the Free Church. Catholic Emancipation in 1829 and many Irish immigrants, especially after the famine in the 1840s, changed Catholicism in Scotland. By 1878, a Roman Catholic church structure was restored, and Catholicism became a major religion.

Industrialization and the church split affected parish schools. From 1830, the state began funding schools. In 1872, Scotland adopted a system of state-funded, mostly free schools. The University of Glasgow became a leader in higher education. It served the needs of young people from urban and business families. The University of St Andrews was the first to admit women to Scottish universities. By 1892, Scottish universities could admit and graduate women.

Early 20th Century Challenges

Scotland played a big part in the First World War. It provided many soldiers, ships, machinery, and money. With a population of 4.8 million in 1911, Scotland sent over half a million men to war. More than a quarter of them died, and 150,000 were seriously wounded. Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig was Britain's commander on the Western Front.

The war saw the rise of a movement called "Red Clydeside" led by trade unionists. Industrial areas, once Liberal strongholds, switched to the Labour Party by 1922. This was especially true in Irish Catholic working-class areas. Women were active in organizing communities around housing issues. However, the "Reds" had little power in Parliament. By the late 1920s, the mood shifted to despair.

The shipbuilding industry grew during the war but then faced a serious depression by 1922. It did not fully recover until 1939. The years between the wars were marked by economic problems and high unemployment. The war caused big social, cultural, economic, and political changes. Scots worried about their decline, as poor health, bad housing, and mass unemployment showed a downward trend. Serving abroad for the Empire became less appealing to young people, who left Scotland permanently. The reliance on old heavy industries was a major problem, and no one had good solutions. This despair made local leaders open to new government economic plans during the Second World War.

The Second World War brought back prosperity, despite cities being bombed. Robert Watson-Watt invented radar, which was vital in the Battle of Britain. Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Dowding led RAF Fighter Command.

Scotland After World War II

After 1945, Scotland's economy got worse due to foreign competition and old industries. But in recent decades, Scotland has seen a cultural and economic comeback. This recovery is thanks to a growing financial services industry, electronics manufacturing (known as Silicon Glen), and the North Sea oil and gas industry.

In 1989, Margaret Thatcher's government introduced the Community Charge (Poll Tax) in Scotland a year before the rest of the UK. This helped a movement grow for Scotland to have more control over its own affairs. After a referendum in 1997, the Scotland Act 1998 was passed. This law created a devolved Scottish Parliament and Scottish Government. They are responsible for most laws specific to Scotland.

Geography and Nature

What is Scotland's Geography Like?

The mainland of Scotland makes up the northern third of the island of Great Britain. This island is off the northwest coast of Continental Europe. Scotland's total area is 78,772 square kilometers (30,414 square miles). This is similar in size to the Czech Republic. Scotland's only land border is with England. It runs for 96 kilometers (60 miles) between the River Tweed and the Solway Firth. The Atlantic Ocean is to the west, and the North Sea is to the east. Ireland is only 21 kilometers (13 miles) from the Kintyre peninsula. Norway is 305 kilometers (190 miles) to the east, and the Faroes are 270 kilometers (168 miles) to the north.

Scotland's borders were mostly set by treaties in 1237 and 1266. Some exceptions include the Isle of Man, which is now a crown dependency. The islands of Orkney and Shetland were gained from Norway in 1472. Berwick-upon-Tweed was lost to England in 1482.

The center of Scotland is a few miles from Newtonmore in Badenoch. Scotland's highest point is Ben Nevis, which is 1,344 meters (4,409 feet) above sea level. The longest river is the River Tay, flowing for 190 kilometers (118 miles).

How Were Scotland's Landscapes Formed?

All of Scotland was covered by ice sheets during the Pleistocene ice ages. This greatly shaped the landscape. Geologically, Scotland has three main parts.

The Highlands and Islands are north and west of the Highland Boundary Fault. This fault line runs from Arran to Stonehaven. This area has very old rocks that were pushed up during the Caledonian Orogeny. It also has newer igneous rocks that formed mountains like the Cairngorms and the Skye Cuillins. An exception is the fossil-rich Old Red Sandstone found along the Moray Firth coast. The Highlands are generally mountainous and have the highest peaks in the British Isles. Scotland has over 790 islands in four main groups: Shetland, Orkney, Inner Hebrides, and Outer Hebrides. There are many freshwater lakes, including Loch Lomond and Loch Ness. Some coastlines have machair, which is a low-lying grassy area with dunes.

The Central Lowlands are a rift valley with mostly older rock formations. Many of these rocks are important for the economy. They contain the coal and iron that powered Scotland's industrial revolution. This area also had intense volcanic activity. Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh is what's left of a much larger volcano. This area is relatively flat, but hills like the Ochils and Campsie Fells are still visible.

The Southern Uplands are a range of hills about 200 kilometers (124 miles) long, with wide valleys. They are south of another fault line that runs from Girvan to Dunbar. The rocks here are mostly from the Silurian period, formed 400–500 million years ago. The highest point is Merrick, at 843 meters (2,766 feet). The Southern Uplands is home to the UK's highest village, Wanlockhead.

What is Scotland's Climate Like?

Scotland's climate is temperate and oceanic, meaning it changes a lot. The Gulf Stream from the Atlantic Ocean warms it. This gives Scotland milder winters but cooler, wetter summers than other places at the same latitude. However, temperatures are generally lower than in the rest of the UK. The coldest UK temperature ever recorded was -27.2°C (-17°F) at Braemar in the Grampian Mountains in 1895. Winter highs average 6°C (43°F) in the Lowlands, and summer highs average 18°C (64°F). The highest temperature recorded was 32.9°C (91.2°F) at Greycrook in 2003.

Western Scotland is usually warmer than the east. This is because of the Atlantic Ocean currents and the colder surface temperatures of the North Sea. Tiree, in the Inner Hebrides, is one of the sunniest places in Scotland. Rainfall varies greatly. The western Highlands are the wettest, with some areas getting over 3,000 millimeters (118 inches) of rain each year. Much of lowland Scotland gets less than 800 millimeters (31 inches) annually. Heavy snowfall is rare in the lowlands but more common at higher altitudes.

What Animals and Plants Live in Scotland?

Scotland's wildlife is similar to other parts of northwest Europe. However, some large mammals like the lynx, brown bear, wolf, and elk were hunted to extinction long ago. Scotland has important populations of seals and many seabirds, like gannets, that nest there. The golden eagle is a national symbol.

On high mountain tops, you can see ptarmigan, mountain hare, and stoat. These animals turn white in winter. Remnants of the native Scots pine forest still exist. Here, you might find the Scottish crossbill, the UK's only unique bird species. Other animals include capercaillie, wildcat, red squirrel, and pine marten. Some animals have been brought back, like the white-tailed sea eagle in 1975 and the red kite in the 1980s. There have also been projects with beavers and wild boar. Today, much of the remaining native Caledonian Forest is in the Cairngorms National Park. On the west coast, parts of ancient Celtic Rainforest still exist.

Scotland's plant life is diverse. It includes deciduous and coniferous woodlands, moorland, and tundra species. However, large-scale tree planting and managing moorland for sheep grazing affect native plants and animals. The UK's tallest tree is a grand fir planted near Loch Fyne in the 1870s. The Fortingall Yew might be 5,000 years old, making it possibly the oldest living thing in Europe. While Scotland has few native vascular plants compared to the world, its many bryophytes (mosses and liverworts) are globally important.

People and Population

How Many People Live in Scotland?

In the 2001 Census, Scotland's population was 5,062,011. This grew to 5,295,400 in the 2011 Census, which was the highest ever. The latest estimate for mid-2019 was 5,463,300 people.

In the 2011 Census, 62% of people in Scotland said their national identity was 'Scottish only'. 18% said 'Scottish and British', 8% said 'British only', and 4% chose 'other identity only'.

While Edinburgh is the capital, Glasgow is the largest city with over 584,000 people. The Greater Glasgow area, with almost 1.2 million people, is home to nearly a quarter of Scotland's population. Most major towns and cities, including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee, and Perth, are in the Central Belt. Aberdeen is Scotland's only major city outside the Central Belt. The Scottish Lowlands have 80% of the total population, with 3.5 million people in the Central Belt.

Generally, only the larger and more accessible islands are still lived on. Currently, fewer than 90 islands are inhabited. The Southern Uplands are mostly rural, with farming and forestry. Because of housing problems in Glasgow and Edinburgh, five new towns were built between 1947 and 1966. These are East Kilbride, Glenrothes, Cumbernauld, Livingston, and Irvine.

Immigration since World War II has created small South Asian communities in Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Dundee. In 2011, about 49,000 people of Pakistani background lived in Scotland, making them the largest non-White ethnic group. Since the enlargement of the European Union, more people from Central and Eastern Europe have moved to Scotland. The 2011 census showed that 61,000 Poles live there.

What Languages are Spoken in Scotland?

Scotland has three official languages: English, Scots, and Scottish Gaelic. Scottish Standard English is one end of a language range, with broad Scots at the other. Scottish Standard English has been influenced by Scots. The 2011 census showed that 63% of the population had "no skills in Scots." Others speak Highland English. Gaelic is mostly spoken in the Western Isles, where many people still speak it. Across Scotland, only 1% of the population uses Gaelic. The number of Gaelic speakers dropped from 250,000 in 1881 to 60,000 in 2008.

Many more people with Scottish ancestry live abroad than in Scotland itself. In the 2000 US Census, 9.2 million Americans said they had some Scottish descent. Most Protestants in Ulster are of lowland Scottish descent. It's estimated that over 27 million descendants of the Scots-Irish migration now live in the US. In Canada, about 4.7 million people are Scottish-Canadian. About 20% of the first European settlers in New Zealand came from Scotland.

In August 2012, Scotland's population reached a record high of 5.25 million. This was because more births than deaths occurred, and immigrants moved to Scotland from other countries. In 2011, 43,700 people moved to Scotland from Wales, Northern Ireland, or England.

The birth rate in Scotland is below the level needed to replace the population. Most births are to unmarried women. Life expectancy for those born in Scotland between 2012 and 2014 was 77.1 years for males and 81.1 years for females. This is the lowest among the four UK countries.

Largest cities or towns in Scotland
Scotland's Census 2011
Rank Name Pop.
1 Glasgow 590,507
2 Edinburgh 459,366
3 Aberdeen 195,021
4 Dundee 147,285
5 Paisley 76,834
6 East Kilbride 74,395
7 Livingston 56,269
8 Hamilton 53,188
9 Cumbernauld 52,270
10 Kirkcaldy 49,709

Religion in Scotland

Just over half (54%) of the Scottish population said they were Christian in a 2011 census. Nearly 37% reported having no religion.

Since the Scottish Reformation in 1560, the national church (the Church of Scotland, or The Kirk) has been Protestant and Reformed. Since 1689, it has had a Presbyterian system of church government and is independent from the state. Its membership is 398,389, about 7.5% of the population. However, a 2014 survey found that 27.8% (1.5 million people) identified with the Church of Scotland. The Church has a local congregation in every community.

Scotland also has a large Roman Catholic population, especially in the west, with 19% identifying as Catholic. After the Reformation, Catholicism continued in the Highlands and some western islands. It grew stronger in the 19th century due to immigration from Ireland. Other Christian groups in Scotland include the Free Church of Scotland and other Presbyterian churches. The Scottish Episcopal Church is Scotland's third-largest church.

Islam is the largest non-Christian religion, with about 75,000 followers (1.4% of the population). There are also significant Jewish, Hindu, and Sikh communities, especially in Glasgow. The Samyé Ling monastery near Eskdalemuir was the first Buddhist monastery in western Europe.

Scotland's Economy

How Does Scotland Make Money?

Scotland has an open mixed economy that is closely linked with the rest of the UK and the world. In the past, Scotland's economy relied heavily on heavy industry. This included shipbuilding in Glasgow, coal mining, and steel industries. Since the 1970s, industries related to North Sea oil and gas have also been important, especially in northeast Scotland. During the 1970s and 1980s, Scotland moved away from manufacturing. It shifted towards a service-based economy, which is now the largest sector.

Scotland's total economic output (GDP), including oil and gas from Scottish waters, was estimated at £150 billion in 2012. In 2014, Scotland's GDP per person was one of the highest in the EU. In April 2019, Scotland's unemployment rate was 3.3%, which was lower than the UK's overall rate of 3.8%. The employment rate in Scotland was 75.9%.

Edinburgh is Scotland's financial center. Many large finance companies are based there, including Lloyds Banking Group (owners of HBOS), the government-owned Royal Bank of Scotland, and Standard Life. Edinburgh was ranked 15th in the list of world financial centers in 2007. Its ranking dropped to 37th in 2012 but returned to 17th by 2020.

In 2014, Scotland's total exports (not including trade within the UK) were estimated at £27.5 billion. Scotland's main exports include whisky, electronics, and financial services. The United States, Netherlands, Germany, France, and Norway are Scotland's biggest export markets.

Whisky is one of Scotland's most famous economic goods. Exports grew by 87% in the decade up to 2012. In 2013, whisky exports were worth £4.3 billion, making up 85% of Scotland's food and drink exports. The whisky industry supports about 10,000 direct jobs and 25,000 indirect jobs. It contributes a lot to Scotland's economy. Tourism also plays a big role, accounting for up to 5% of GDP and 7.5% of jobs.

Scotland was a major industrial power in Europe from the Industrial Revolution onwards. It was a world leader in manufacturing. This led to a wide variety of goods and services produced in Scotland. These range from textiles, whisky, and shortbread to jet engines, buses, computer software, ships, and microelectronics. Scotland also excels in banking, insurance, investment management, and other financial services. Like most advanced economies, Scotland has seen a decline in manufacturing and mining. This has been replaced by growth in the service sector, which is now the largest part of Scotland's economy.

What Money Does Scotland Use?

The Bank of England is the central bank for the UK. However, three Scottish banks issue Sterling banknotes: the Bank of Scotland, the Royal Bank of Scotland, and the Clydesdale Bank. These banks can issue banknotes under the Banking Act 2009.

In 2013, the value of Scottish banknotes in circulation was £3.8 billion. This amount is backed by the Bank of England with funds deposited by each Scottish bank.

Military in Scotland

About £3.3 billion of the money spent on UK defense was linked to Scotland in 2013. Scotland has a long military history, even before it joined with England. Its armed forces are now part of the British Armed Forces. The only exception is the Atholl Highlanders, which is Europe's only legal private army. In 2006, the Scottish infantry regiments joined to form the Royal Regiment of Scotland. Other Scottish regiments in the British Army include the Scots Guards and the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards.

Because of its geography and remote areas, Scotland has many important defense sites. From 1960 to 1991, Holy Loch was a base for US Polaris ballistic missile submarines. Today, Her Majesty's Naval Base Clyde, northwest of Glasgow, is the base for the UK's nuclear deterrent. This includes four Trident-armed Vanguard class submarines. Scapa Flow was a major Fleet base for the Royal Navy until 1956.

Scotland has one main Royal Air Force base, RAF Lossiemouth in Moray. It is the most northern air defense fighter base in the UK. It is home to three fast-jet squadrons with Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft.

Scottish Culture

Music and Arts in Scotland

Scottish music is a big part of the nation's culture, with both old and new influences. A famous traditional Scottish instrument is the Great Highland Bagpipe. This wind instrument has three drones and a melody pipe, all fed by air from a bag. Bagpipe bands, with bagpipes and drums, play Scottish music and create new styles. These bands have become popular worldwide. The clàrsach (harp), fiddle, and accordion are also traditional Scottish instruments. The fiddle and accordion are often used in Scottish country dance bands. Many successful Scottish bands and artists include Annie Lennox, Amy Macdonald, Runrig, Boards of Canada, Cocteau Twins, Deacon Blue, Franz Ferdinand, Susan Boyle, Emeli Sandé, Texas, The View, The Fratellis, Twin Atlantic, and Biffy Clyro. Other Scottish musicians are Shirley Manson, Paolo Nutini, and Calvin Harris. Scotland hosts music festivals like Celtic Connections and the Hebridean Celtic Festival.

Scotland has a long history of literature, going back to the early Middle Ages. The first writings from Scotland were in Brythonic in the 6th century. Later medieval literature included works in Latin, Gaelic, Old English, and French. The first major text in Early Scots is John Barbour's 14th-century epic Brus, about Robert I. In the 16th century, royal support helped Scots drama and poetry grow. But when James VI became king of England, a major source of support for Scots literature was lost.

Interest in Scots literature came back in the 18th century with people like James Macpherson. His Ossian Cycle made him the first Scottish poet to be known internationally. It also influenced the European Enlightenment. It greatly influenced Robert Burns, who many see as the national poet, and Walter Scott. Scott's Waverley Novels helped define Scottish identity in the 19th century. Later in the 19th century, Scottish authors like Robert Louis Stevenson, Arthur Conan Doyle, and J. M. Barrie became famous for writing in English.

In the 20th century, the Scottish Renaissance saw a burst of literary activity. Writers tried to bring back the Scots language for serious literature. This movement was followed by new poets after the war, like Edwin Morgan. He became the first Scots Makar (national poet) in 2004. From the 1980s, Scottish literature had another big revival, especially with writers like Irvine Welsh. Scottish poets from this time include Carol Ann Duffy, who became the first Scottish UK Poet Laureate in 2009.

As one of the Celtic nations, Scotland and its culture are shown at interceltic events around the world. Scotland hosts music festivals like Celtic Connections and the Hebridean Celtic Festival. Festivals celebrating Celtic culture, like Festival Interceltique de Lorient in Brittany, include Scottish language, music, and dance.

Symbols and Traditions

The image of St. Andrew, who was martyred on an X-shaped cross, first appeared in Scotland during the reign of William I. After King Alexander III died in 1286, St. Andrew's image was used on the seal of the Guardians of Scotland. A simpler symbol, the saltire (X-shaped cross), was used from the late 14th century. In 1385, the Scottish Parliament said soldiers should wear a white St. Andrew's Cross on their tunics. The blue background for the cross is said to date from at least the 15th century. Since 1606, the saltire has also been part of the Union Flag.

Scotland has many other symbols. The thistle is the nation's floral emblem. The Declaration of Arbroath (1320) is a statement of political independence. Tartan patterns often show a specific Scottish clan. The royal Lion Rampant flag is also a symbol. In 1782, the law banning the wearing of tartans was removed.

There is no official national anthem of Scotland. However, Flower of Scotland is played at special events and sports matches involving Scottish teams. It was voted the favorite by Scottish athletes for the Commonwealth Games in 2010. Other songs considered for the national anthem include Scotland the Brave and Scots Wha Hae.

St Andrew's Day, November 30, is the national day. However, Burns' Night (celebrating poet Robert Burns) is more widely observed, especially outside Scotland. In 2006, the Scottish Parliament made St. Andrew's Day an official bank holiday. Tartan Day is a newer celebration from Canada.

The national animal of Scotland is the unicorn. It has been a Scottish symbol since the 12th century.

Scottish Food

Scottish food has its own unique dishes and recipes. It also shares many similarities with wider British and European cuisine. This is due to influences from both inside and outside Scotland, both old and new. Traditional Scottish cooking relies on local ingredients like game, dairy products, fish, fruit, and vegetables. It is often simple, with few foreign spices, as these were rare and expensive in the past. During the Late Middle Ages and early modern era, French cuisine influenced Scottish cooking. This was due to cultural exchanges from the "Auld Alliance" with France, especially during the time of Mary, Queen of Scots.

The national dish of Scotland is haggis. This is a pudding made from sheep's offal, oatmeal, onion, spices, and fat, cooked in a casing. Scotland's national drink is whisky. However, Irn-Bru, a popular fizzy soft drink, is often called "Scotland's other national drink."

Transportation in Scotland

Air Travel in Scotland

Scotland has five international airports: Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Glasgow Prestwick, and Inverness Airport. These airports have flights to Europe, North America, and Asia, as well as domestic flights within the UK. Highlands and Islands Airports runs eleven airports in the Highlands, Orkney, Shetland, and the Western Isles. These are mainly for short flights serving public needs.

Edinburgh Airport is Scotland's busiest airport. It handled over 14 million passengers in 2018 and is the UK's 6th busiest airport. British Airways, easyJet, flybe, Jet2, and Ryanair operate most flights between Scotland and other major UK and European airports.

Four airlines are based in Scotland:

Rail Travel in Scotland

Network Rail owns and manages the railway tracks and stations in Scotland. The Scottish Government is in charge of overall rail strategy and funding. Scotland's rail network has about 350 railway stations and 3,000 kilometers (1,864 miles) of track. In 2018–19, there were 102 million passenger journeys on Scottish railways.

The East Coast Main Line and West Coast Main Line connect Scotland's major cities and towns with each other and with the English rail network. London North Eastern Railway offers inter-city train journeys from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and Inverness to London. Domestic train services within Scotland are run by ScotRail. The East Coast Main Line crosses the Firth of Forth using the Forth Bridge. This bridge, completed in 1890, is a famous Scottish landmark.

Road Travel in Scotland

Transport Scotland manages Scotland's motorways and major trunk roads. Local authorities manage the rest of the road network in their areas. Bus transport was made private in the 1980s.

Water Travel in Scotland

Regular ferry services connect the Scottish mainland with its islands. Ferries to the inner and outer Hebrides are mainly run by the state-owned company Caledonian MacBrayne. Services to the Northern Isles are operated by Serco. Other companies run routes connecting southwest Scotland to Northern Ireland. Local authorities also operate additional routes.

Sports in Scotland

Scotland has its own national sports competitions. It also has its own teams in many international sporting events. These include the FIFA World Cup, the Rugby Union World Cup, the Cricket World Cup, and the Commonwealth Games. Scotland has its own sports governing bodies, such as the Scottish Football Association (the second oldest national football association in the world) and the Scottish Rugby Union. Different types of football have been played in Scotland for centuries, with the earliest mention in 1424.

Football in Scotland

The world's first official international association football match took place in 1872. It was held at the West of Scotland Cricket Club in Glasgow. The match was between Scotland and England and ended in a 0–0 draw. After this, football quickly became the most popular sport in Scotland. The Scottish Cup was first played in 1873. Queen's Park F.C. in Glasgow is likely the oldest football club outside England.

The Scottish Football Association (SFA) is the main governing body for Scottish football. It is the second-oldest national football association in the world. The SFA is a founding member of the International Football Association Board (IFAB), which sets the Laws of the Game. Because of its key role, Scotland is one of only four countries with a permanent representative on the IFAB.

The SFA is also responsible for the Scotland national football team, whose fans are known as the "Tartan Army". As of December 2019, Scotland was ranked 50th in the FIFA World Rankings. The national team last played in the World Cup in France in 1998. The Scotland women's team has been more successful recently. They qualified for both Euro 2017 and the 2019 World Cup. As of December 2019, they were ranked 22nd in the FIFA Rankings.

Scottish clubs have also done well in European competitions. Celtic won the European Cup in 1967. Rangers and Aberdeen won the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup in 1972 and 1983. Aberdeen also won the UEFA Super Cup in 1983. Celtic, Rangers, and Dundee United have also reached European finals.

Golf in Scotland

The modern game of golf started in 15th-century Scotland. Because of this, Scotland is known as the home of golf. For many golfers, the Old Course in St Andrews, Fife, is a special place. This ancient course dates back to before 1552. In 1764, the standard 18-hole golf course was created at St Andrews. The world's oldest golf tournament, The Open Championship, was first played in 1860 at Prestwick Golf Club in Ayrshire, Scotland. Scottish golfers won the first major championships. There are many other famous golf courses in Scotland, including Carnoustie, Gleneagles, Muirfield, and Royal Troon.

Other Popular Sports

Other unique parts of Scotland's sports culture include the Highland games, curling, and shinty. In boxing, Scotland has had 13 world champions, including Ken Buchanan, Benny Lynch, and Jim Watt. Scotland has also been successful in motorsport, especially Formula One. Famous drivers include David Coulthard, Jim Clark, Paul Di Resta, and Jackie Stewart. In IndyCar, Dario Franchitti won four world championships in a row.

Scotland has competed in every Commonwealth Games since 1930. It has won 356 medals in total: 91 Gold, 104 Silver, and 161 Bronze. Edinburgh hosted the Commonwealth Games in 1970 and 1986. Most recently, Glasgow hosted them in 2014.

Education in Scotland

How Does Education Work in Scotland?

The Scottish education system has always been different from the rest of the United Kingdom. It focuses on a broad education. In the 15th century, a law in 1496 said that all sons of wealthy landowners should go to grammar schools to learn Latin. This led to more wealthy men being able to read and write. In the Reformation, a plan was made in 1560 for a school in every parish, but this was too expensive. In 1616, another law ordered every parish to set up a school. By the late 17th century, there was a good network of parish schools in the lowlands. However, many areas in the Highlands still lacked basic education. Education was handled by the church until the Education (Scotland) Act 1872.

The Curriculum for Excellence is Scotland's national school curriculum. It guides learning for children and young people aged 3 to 18. All 3- and 4-year-old children in Scotland can get a free nursery place. Formal primary education starts at about 5 years old and lasts for 7 years (P1–P7). Children in Scotland study Standard Grades or Intermediate qualifications between ages 14 and 16. These are being replaced by the National Qualifications of the Curriculum for Excellence. Students can leave school at 16. After that, they can stay at school to study for Access, Intermediate, Higher Grade, and Advanced Higher qualifications. A small number of students at some private schools might follow the English system. They would study for GCSEs and A and AS-Levels.

Universities in Scotland

There are fifteen Scottish universities, some of which are among the oldest in the world. The four universities founded before the end of the 16th century are:

These are known as the ancient universities of Scotland. All of them rank among the top 200 universities globally in the THE rankings, with Edinburgh in the top 50. In 2012, Scotland had more universities in the QS' World University Rankings' top 100 per person than any other nation. Scotland produces 1% of the world's published research, even though it has less than 0.1% of the world's population. Higher education institutions make up 9% of Scotland's service sector exports. Only Scotland's University Courts can award degrees.

Student tuition is managed by the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS). It does not charge fees to "Young Students." Young Students are defined as those under 25, without children, marriage, or a partner, who have not been out of full-time education for more than three years. Fees exist for others, usually £1,200 to £1,800 for undergraduate courses. Postgraduate fees can be up to £3,400. This system has been in place since 2007.

Scotland's universities are supported by 43 colleges that offer further and higher education. Colleges offer National Certificates, Higher National Certificates, and Higher National Diplomas. These qualifications, along with Scottish Vocational Qualifications, help ensure people have the right skills for jobs. In 2014, research found that Scotland was the most educated country in Europe. About 40% of people aged 16–64 in Scotland had a high level of education.

Kilmarnock Academy in East Ayrshire is one of only two schools in the UK to have educated two Nobel Prize winners. These were Alexander Fleming, who discovered Penicillin, and John Boyd Orr, for his research on nutrition.

Infrastructure in Scotland

Energy Sources in Scotland

Scotland's main energy sources are renewable energy (61.8%), nuclear (25.7%), and fossil fuels (10.9%). In Scotland, 98.6% of all electricity used came from renewable sources. This figure excludes net exports. The Scottish Government aims to have 50% of Scotland's heat, transport, and electricity come from renewable sources by 2030.

Transportation Infrastructure

Air Travel

Scotland has five international airports that offer flights to Europe, North America, and Asia. They also have domestic flights to England, Northern Ireland, and Wales.

Highlands and Islands Airports operates eleven airports in the Highlands, Orkney, Shetland, and the Western Isles. These are mainly used for short, public service flights. However, Inverness Airport also has scheduled flights to other UK and European destinations.

Edinburgh Airport is currently Scotland's busiest airport, handling over 13 million passengers in 2017. It is also the UK's 6th busiest airport. British Airways, easyJet, flybe, Jet2, and Ryanair operate most flights between Scotland and other major UK and European airports.

Four airlines are based in Scotland:

Rail Travel

Network Rail owns and operates the railway system in Scotland. The Scottish Government is responsible for rail strategy and funding. Scotland's rail network has 359 railway stations and about 2,760 kilometers (1,715 miles) of track. In 2018–19, there were 102 million passenger journeys on Scottish railways.

The East Coast Main Line and West Coast Main Line connect Scotland's major cities and towns with each other and with England's rail network. London North Eastern Railway provides inter-city train journeys between Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Inverness, and London. Domestic rail services within Scotland are operated by ScotRail.

The East Coast Main Line crosses the Firth of Forth using the Forth Bridge. This cantilever bridge, completed in 1890, is a well-known Scottish landmark.

Road Travel

Transport Scotland manages Scotland's motorways and major trunk roads. The rest of the road network is managed by the Scottish local authorities in each area.

Water Travel

Regular ferry services connect the Scottish mainland with its islands. Ferries serving the inner and outer Hebrides are mainly operated by the state-owned company Caledonian MacBrayne. Services to the Northern Isles are operated by Serco. Other companies run routes connecting southwest Scotland to Northern Ireland. Additional routes are operated by local authorities.

  • Oe-hnl (1796343794)

    Air Traffic Control tower of Edinburgh Airport, Scotland's busiest airport by passenger numbers

  • Lenzie - Abellio 385035+385118 Glasgow train

    Domestic rail services are operated by ScotRail.

  • Kingston Bridge in Glasgow

    The M8 motorway is the busiest motorway in Scotland, running from Glasgow to Edinburgh

  • MV Isle of Lewis At Castlebay

    A Caledonian MacBrayne ferry arriving in Castlebay, Barra

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